"The Vecchio Problem," by china_shop (NC-17)

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

Hello, my name is laughingacademy. I first came to crack_van in 2004 on the trail of readable fanfiction, and for reasons that don't need exploring at this juncture, remained.

I've served as a SW: TPM reccer (August 2004) and wrote the Sherlock Holmes overview. This is my first crack at due South, and boy oh boy have I been looking forward to it, because this is a great fandom. Like many of the previous reccers I'm a big fan of Fraser/Kowalski, so we'll be seeing a lot of them; however, I also have a couple of pieces featuring Turnbull and at least one Fraser/Vecchio story on my list. Also, I feel I should warn everyone that some of the fiction that will be pimped this month is situated on the cracktastic end of the spectrum.

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Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: http://www.stonesoup.co.nz/chinashop/fic/index.html
Why this must be read:

For my first due South rec, I've picked a first-time Fraser/Kowalski story by china_shop, an author making her crack_van debut. Although she is, I believe, a relative newcomer to the fandom, I think china_shop will be cropping up a lot in future dS recs lists -- the characters' voices (not just Fraser and Ray, but supporting players like Welsh and Frannie) ring true, and her plots rival cesperanza's for ingenuity and hilarity.

"The Vecchio Problem," which is set about a month after Fraser and Kowalski meet, begins with an impromptu make out session in the morgue. Unfortunately, our heroes decide that this new development is a terrible idea.

Ray was Vecchio now, and Vecchio was by all accounts a straight guy, and it didn't matter what Kowalski would or wouldn't have done--which, Ray suspected, was he would've run away--because there was no Kowalski. Kowalski was on hiatus, due back some unspecified time, if ever.

"I mean," continued Ray, pulling away further, and feeling both proud of himself for exhibiting such Olympic level self-control and, at the same time, horribly frustrated. "I mean," he collected his thoughts, "I'm undercover here, you know? For that to work, I gotta believe it."

"Of course, Ray," said Fraser slowly. "If you think that--this--would compromise your position."

"It's not that I wouldn't," Ray added quickly. "I mean, you're a great guy. Different circumstances, compatible nationalities, certified mental health guarantees, and I'd be in like Flynn." He ran his hand through his hair, and refused to meet the Mountie's gaze.

"Who?" Fraser's eyebrows signalled confusion and, hell, he even looked hot when he was frowning.

"Doesn't matter," said Ray. "This is March madness. Like the clothing sales. It'll pass."

"Ray," said Fraser gently, taking his hand. "It's October."

So they decide to take a two-week break from each other. During that period, Ray explores various methods of coping.

He imagined Fraser lying beside him. Imagined his smile creasing and lighting his face. Imagined them discussing breakfast and planning their day and, yeah, Fraser would want to go hiking, or probably, jesus, set traps and catch dinner. And Ray would argue and want to laze around, would distract Fraser with a hot slow kiss that would win the argument hands down, would melt every bone in both their bodies, and they'd spend the day together in bed. Yeah, because that kind of nature experience Ray could handle.

Ray pulled the pillow over his face and groaned deep down in his belly. This was recovery. This was detox. God, he needed Fraser Anonymous, some kind of twelve-step program. He hadn't even known the guy that long--okay, five and a half weeks--and he couldn't lie in bed in the morning without thinking about him. Jeez.

And when that doesn't pan out, he tries drinking:

The next morning, Ray hunched over his desk and tried to stop his head swirling. It was like psychedelia. It was like the fucking seventies plus nausea and self-loathing. That is, it was exactly like the seventies...

And the hangover in his head was in no way drowning out the hangover in his heart.

It doesn't help that Fraser and Kowalski still have to do things together (write a report, chase forgers and makers of psychoactive jello, move a Steinway piano onto the consulate's second floor), or that everyone -- Welsh, Stella, Turnbull, Thatcher, Frannie, a tobacconist Kowalski approaches for information -- keeps asking why they aren’t together.

Poor boys. Fortunately, it all works out with a little help from Santa Claus.

"The Vecchio Problem"

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

I enjoyed your Sherlock Holmes recs - but I read all DS anyway, so this is double goodness (even if I won't actually read the excerpts so as not to be spoiled :))

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

I figured it was best to put the excerpts behind cuts. That way those who want a little preview of the story can get one, while those who prefer to dive right in can scroll past to the link at the bottom.

Hope you enjoy my term driving the dS crack_sled!

[emhen.livejournal.com]

Can I just say, I love your intro. :)

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly. ;)